July Mass Uprising Day observed in districts

The July Mass Uprising Day commemorating the student-led movement that ousted the Awami League government on August 5, 2024 and reshaped the country’s political landscape was observed through various programmes in districts on Wednesday highlighting the supreme sacrifice of the students and the people.

BAGERHAT: On the occasion, the district administration first paid tribute by placing flowers at the July Memorial Monument built in the Central Shaheed Minar area of the town at 8:30 am on Wednesday. Later, officials from educational institutions and government departments and members of political parties paid tribute to the martyrs by placing flowers. 

On the occasion of the Day, a reception and a discussion meeting were organised for the families of July martyrs and July fighters.

July fighter Saddam Hossain said, “BNP is in power today in exchange for the blood of martyrs for which the students sacrificed their blood and the people of this country gave a referendum to implement the July Charter. However, the Charter has not been implemented yet. I urge the government to implement the July Charter, bring the murderer Hasina back to the country, and place her before justice.” 

Among others, Bagerhat Deputy Commissioner (DC) Golam Md Baten, Superintendent of Police (SP) Hasan Mohammad Naser Rikabder, District Jamaat Ameer Mawlana Rezaul Karim, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement leader Saddam Hossain and District BNP Coordinator MA Salam were present at the discussion meeting.

GOPALGANJ: On this occasion, wreaths were laid at the under-construction July Martyr Memorial adjacent to the Gopalganj Cricket Stadium at 10 am on Wednesday. 

First, MP of Gopalganj-2 Constituency Dr KM Babar, then DC Md Arif-uz-Zaman on behalf of the district administration, SP Md Habibullah on behalf of the police administration, District BNP and allied organisations, various offices, and educational institutions paid tribute by laying wreaths.

Later, a reception was held at the Sadar Upazila Parishad Auditorium for the families of July martyrs and July warriors and a discussion highlighting the significance of the day was held.

In addition, films and documentaries provided by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting were screened in auditoriums or open spaces at the district and upazila levels. On this day, objective and non-objective rare photographs and documentaries on the July Movement were arranged at the district and upazila levels. Prayers and supplications were arranged in all religious institutions after Zuhr prayers.

On this day, banquets were organised in all government hospitals, prisons, government children's homes, child rehabilitation centres, prisoner welfare centres, and day care and child development centres in the district.

On the other hand, the main roads and road islands of the town were decorated with various banners, festoons and colourful flags, including the national flag.

Gopalganj Shishu Academy organised essay writing, drawing and painting competitions to celebrate the day, and discussion meetings were organised in educational institutions highlighting the significance of the day.

On the occasion of the day, the district BNP and district Jamaat took out colourful rallies in the town. The rallies went around the town streets with joy and happiness, beating drums.

JOYPURHAT: On this occasion, the district administration organised a discussion meeting at the District Shilpakala Academy Auditorium chaired by DC Md Al Mamun Mia.

Among others, Zilla Parishad Administrator and District BNP Senior Joint Convener Masud Rana Pradhan, SP Shahnaz Parvin, Superintendent of Modern District Hospital Dr Sardar Rashed Mubarak Jewel, District BNP Convener Golzar Hossain, Town Jamaat Ameer Mawlana Saidur Rahman, Senior Joint Member Secretary of District NCP Omar Ali Babu, July martyr Najibul Sarkar Bishal's mother Bulbuli Khatun, martyr Rita Akhter's mother Rehana Bibi, and July fighters Rashedul Islam, Dewan Hasan, Hasibul Haque Sanjid and Abu Sayeed were present.

At the end of the programme, the family members of the July martyrs and the July fighters were felicitated and handed over saplings. Earlier, floral tributes were paid by placing wreaths at the July Memorial at the Shaheed Dr Abul Kashem Maidan.

MEHERPUR: On this occasion, the programmes began at 10 am on Wednesday by placing a wreath at the July Memorial located at the College Cross in the town.

First, on behalf of the district administration, DC Shilpi Rani Roy and Meherpur Zilla Parishad Administrator Javed Masud Milton paid tribute to the martyrs. Then, on behalf of the law enforcement agencies, Superintendent of Police Ujjal Kumar Roy placed a wreath at the Martyrs’ Memorial. 

In turn, people from various classes and professions of the district including the Freedom Fighters Command Unit, District BNP, Jamaat, NCP, Civil Surgeon’s Office, BSCIC, Meherpur Government College, various educational institutions, social and cultural organisations paid tribute to the martyrs. After paying homage, prayers and supplications were offered for the forgiveness of the souls of the martyrs.

At that time, the July fighters said that the true aspirations of July will not be fulfilled if the July Charter is not implemented. They also demanded justice for the July massacre.

MUNSHIGANJ: On this occasion, a discussion meeting was held on the Munshiganj Collectorate Eidgah ground on Wednesday afternoon. After the programme, the district administration felicitated the family members of the martyrs and the July fighters, and the MP and the Munshiganj Zilla Parishad presented cheques of financial assistance to the family members of the July martyrs.

In addition, prizes were given to the winners of the essay, recitation and painting competitions organised on the occasion of July Uprising Day.

MP for Munshiganj-3 Constituency Md Kamruzzaman Ratan was present as the chief guest at the programme and DC and District Magistrate Syeda Nurmahal Ashrafi chaired the event.

Also present at the event were SP Md Menhazul Alam, PPM, Munshiganj Zilla Parishad Administrator Iradat Hossain Manu, Civil Surgeon (CS) Dr Sajeda Begum, members of the martyrs' families and July fighters. At the beginning of the event, the members of the martyrs' families and July fighters of the July Uprising were welcomed with floral greetings. 

At the discussion meeting, the speakers emphasised the history of the July Uprising, the sacrifice of the martyrs, and the importance of presenting their ideals and spirit to the future generations. At the same time, they called on everyone to work together to build a non-discriminatory, just and prosperous Bangladesh.

NAOGAON: On this occasion, a discussion meeting and a prayer session were held at Naogaon University Hall at 11:30 am on Wednesday where MP for Naogaon-3 Constituency and University Syndicate Member Fazle Huda Babul was present as the chief guest while Naogaon University Vice-Chancellor Dr Mohammad Hasanat Ali was in the chair and the University's Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr Md Tariqul Islam was the special guest. 

Speaking as the chief guest, MP Fazle Huda Babul said that the July Uprising is an important chapter in the country's history. The sacrifice of the martyrs in this movement has shown the nation a new path. To realise their dreams, everyone must take a stand against discrimination, corruption and injustice. 

In his speech, Vice-Chancellor Dr Mohammad Hasanat Ali said, the July Uprising is a shining example of our sacrifice, courage and national unity. The university is committed to developing students as responsible, humane and creative citizens by embodying the education and spirit of this day. 

The speakers at the discussion meeting paid deep respect to the martyrs of the July Uprising and remembered their sacrifice.
 
At the end of the discussion meeting, special prayers were offered for the forgiveness of the souls of those killed in the July Uprising and for the peace, progress and prosperity of the country.

NARAYANGANJ: In memory of the martyrs of the July Uprising, DC Md Raihan Kabir and SP Mizanur Rahman Munshi laid wreaths at the July Memorial Monument in the Hajiganj area on Wednesday morning at the initiative of the district administration. 

After that, the families of the deceased, BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad and leaders of various political, social and cultural organisations paid tribute to the martyrs by offering flowers. Later, the Metropolitan BNP prayed for the forgiveness of the souls of all those killed in the student-people's movement and the recovery of the injured.

NARSINGDI: The day's programmes started with a floral tribute at the July Memorial established in the Narsingdi Municipal Park in the morning.

Narsingdi Sadar Constituency MP and BNP Central Committee Joint Secretary General Khairul Kabir Khokon, Narsingdi-3 (Shibpur) MP Constituency Manjur Elahi, Narsingdi-5 (Raipura) Constituency MP Ashraf Uddin Bakul and various socio-political organisations paid floral tributes.

Besides, led by Narsingdi DC Ishrat Jahan Keya, the district and police administration paid tribute at the July Memorial. Special prayers were offered at convenient times in various religious places of worship.

NOAKHALI: On the occasion of the July Uprising Day, the SP, NM Nasiruddin, paid deep tribute to the heroic martyrs of the July Movement who sacrificed themselves in the struggle to establish the country, democracy and human rights.

On this occasion, wreaths were laid at the Martyrs' Memorial by the District Police and deep respect was paid to the sacrifice of the heroic martyrs of the July Uprising and their unforgettable contribution was remembered with gratitude. Senior officers of District Police were present at that time.

PANCHAGARH: State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad, MP, has said that the path to restoring democracy, freedom of speech and voting rights in the country has been paved through the sacrifices of the martyrs of the July Movement.

He made the remarks to reporters after paying tribute at the July Martyrs’ Memorial at Sher-e-Bangla Park in Panchagarh town on Wednesday morning, marking the July Uprising Day.

The State Minister said that August 5 has become an important milestone in the history of Bangladesh due to the continuation of a long movement, torture and sacrifice. Remembering the martyrs of the July Movement, he said that work will be done to implement every promise of the July Charter as per the election pledges of BNP and Tarique Rahman.

Earlier, the district administration, District Police, Zilla Parishad, CS office, Panchagarh Press Club, various government and private organisations, July martyrs’ families, voluntary organisations and political parties paid tribute at the July Martyrs’ Memorial.

Later, a reception was given to the family members of the July martyrs and the fighters injured in the movement at the government auditorium. Prayers were also offered for the forgiveness of the souls of all the martyrs of the July Movement.

On the occasion of the day, the district administration has organised photography and documentary exhibitions, keeping amusement parks open for children, serving high-quality food at government hospitals, children’s homes, orphanages and district jail, July Memorial Football Match, evening illuminations, cultural programmes and prize distribution for various competitions.

Speaking as the chief guest at the discussion, State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad, MP, said, “We will implement every letter of every page of the July Charter. Our government will fulfil that commitment.” He called on everyone to rise above divisions and factions and strengthen national unity, saying, “Let us all forget factions and differences and remain united so that no evil force gets a chance to conspire.”

He further said, “Five talented children of Panchagarh were martyred in the July Uprising Movement last year. I pray for the forgiveness of their departed souls. At the same time, I express my deep respect to all the martyrs of the July Uprising and my deep sympathy and gratitude to the injured July warriors.”

RAJBARI: On this occasion, wreaths were placed at the July Memorial Pillar in Sreepur area on the initiative of the district administration, government and non-government and various political organisations of the district.

A discussion and reception meeting was held at the Rajbari Municipal Auditorium. Rajbari DC Afroza Parveen, Zilla Parishad Administrator Md Abdus Salam, District BNP Convener Adv Md Liaqat Ali Babu, District Jamaat Ameer Adv Md Nurul Islam, BNP former convener Naeem Ansari, SP Mohammad Manjur Morshed, District CS Dr SM Masud, Lucky Akhter, wife of July martyr Gani, July fighter Abdur Rouf Hitu, Aklima Khatun, wife of sick July fighter Md Anwar Hossain of Kalimahar Village, Chhatra Dal Convener Ariful Islam Roman, Mitu Akhter, daughter of July martyr Kurman of Kalukhali, etc. 

The chief guest of the event, Rajbari DC Afroza Parveen, said in her speech, “We are burdened by your pain, and express our condolences. Very soon we will sit in discussion about the problem.”

Later, the district administration distributed various gifts to the members of the martyred family. After the distribution of gifts, prizes were distributed among the winners of the painting, recitation, and competition on the occasion of the Mass Uprising Day. Prizes were distributed among the winners of various programmes on this occasion organised by the District Shishu Academy.

TANGAIL: On this occasion, Vice-Chancellor of Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University (MBSTU) Prof Dr ABM Shahidul Islam called for unity to prevent the resurgence of fascism from the joyous rally brought out on Wednesday morning from the front of the university's administrative building that ended in front of the third academic building after parading through various roads of the campus.

After the rally, Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr ABM Shahidul Islam said, “We have to build a new Bangladesh by keeping the spirit and ideals of July in our hearts. Just as we all came together in this victory rally today, we must continue to fight against fascism in the coming days as well.”

At the event, Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof Md Anisur Rahman said, “To maintain the victory of the July mass uprising, we must maintain mutual respect and unity. Everyone must be vigilant so that fascism does not rise again.” 

The rally was attended by the University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof Md Anisur Rahman, IQAC Director Prof Dr Mostafa Kamal Nasir, Director of the Student Welfare and Counselling Centre Prof Dr Md Fazlul Karim, Proctor Prof Dr Monir Morshed, Estate Director Associate Prof Dr Abu Zafar Shibli, Deans of various faculties, Department Chairmen, Provosts of Residential Halls, teachers-students, officers-employees, leaders and activists of various student organizations and journalists. As part of the programmes, a hall fest and a cultural programme have been organised at the university's open stage in the evening.